Mark Buehrle gets opening day nod for White Sox

Ozzie Guillen wasted little time Sunday in clearing up one question as the Chicago White Sox opened spring training for pitchers and catchers.

Guillen said Mark Buehrle will start the season opener April 5 against Cleveland. Jake Peavy, the former Padres ace and Cy Young Award winner acquired in a trade last season, will follow Buehrle in the rotation.

Guillen said the choice was made out of respect for Buehrle, who broke in with the White Sox in 2000. Buehrle's opening day start will be his franchise-record eighth. He is currently tied with Billy Pierce with seven.

Before Guillen told reporters of his choice, Peavy said he wanted Buehrle to get the nod and break the record.

Buehrle pitched a perfect game July 23 against Tampa Bay but was 2-7 the rest of the way.